Q: I found out in August that my wife was having an affair for the past year with a man who is married and allegedly going through a divorce. He has cheated on his wife a lot, I'm told by others.

Our kids are older but at home, and they know she was seeing someone but don't know the extent. She says she isn't seeing him now, but he texts her and calls her almost every day, and she will return the messages and call him occasionally. We have not filed for divorce, but I have seen my attorney.

Ten years ago I had an affair, and it lasted well over a year. My wife does not know about this.

I believe it's just a matter of time before they get together again. I love my wife and family, and I believe she does love me. Our sex life is actually good. Is it possible I'm fooling myself and that I should just move on and pull the plug?

Almost gone

A: Two wrongs may not make a right, but they do relieve this discussion of the burden of righteousness, which, when it comes to adultery, is rare indeed. Take the moral hand-wringing away, and what you have left is this: If you want to stay married to your wife, then be patient to see whether the affair outlasts your patience.

If you do stay, that doesn't necessarily mean you're "fooling" yourself. You certainly seem to grasp the possibility she'll run off with this guy; you had the presence of mind to talk to your attorney; you know firsthand that, 10 years from now, you both can have feelings about your marriage that are very different from the ones you have now. And you understand that it's possible you're wrong about her loving you.

Unless there's more you could be doing to protect your family and assets in the event of marital meltdown, you seem to have all the "doh!" contingencies covered. That, again, frees you to make this only about whether you want to stay.

Show restraint and suggest premarital class for best friend

Q: My best friend is engaged. I am happy she is happy. However, I think she's making a mistake. Every relationship she's had has ended disastrously. Her fiance seems wonderful. He has children, and he takes great care of them. He plans for the future, and treats her like a queen. I just don't think she is mature enough to handle marriage.

On the one hand, I want to be the supportive best friend. On the other, I feel like it's my duty to be the voice of reason who is willing to tell her, "I think you are jumping in too quickly."

Skeptical Skeptic

A: First, no current problems mean this is only minimally your business. Second, there's just so much you can do. Even someone who wasn't conflicted about being her "voice of reason" (VOR) couldn't make her grow up. Third, they haven't set the date, so time itself might be the VOR. Fourth, you like the guy. VOR's who despise the intended are usually too compromised to help. You aren't.

So: Exercise your credibility and your restraint. Tell her how much you like this guy, and ask if the two of them have considered attending a pre-marital class. Meaning, support her responsibly, instead of just shooting her down.

If she gets defensive, hold firm and cite the kids as one reason for suggesting it. It may not be your only reason, but it's the finest of the bunch.